Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
A Novel Method to Determine the Longitudinal Antibacterial Activity of Drug-Eluting Materials
Published on: March 3, 2023
Dehydroeffusol from Juncus effusus L. exhibits antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Shengying Lou1, Wei Jin1, Minyang He2
1Department of Pharmacy, Center for Membrane Receptor and Brain Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu 322000, China.
Background:
Dehydroeffusol (DHE) is a natural phenanthrene compound derived from Juncus effusus L., traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties. Despite its historical use, its antibacterial efficacy and underlying mechanisms have not been fully explored.
Objectives:
To evaluate the antibacterial activity, safety profile, and mechanism of action of DHE against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and to assess its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Methods:
DHE was isolated and its antibacterial effects were assessed using broth microdilution, time-kill assays, and biofilm inhibition assays. The cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of DHE were evaluated in vitro using several cell lines and red blood cells. Mechanistic studies included scanning electron microscopy, membrane potential and permeability assays, network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and untargeted metabolomic profiling.
Results:
DHE exhibited appreciable bactericidal activity against S. aureus and MRSA with minimal cytotoxicity. It inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted bacterial membranes, and maintained bactericidal activity without rapid resistance, while synergizing with ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and azithromycin. Network pharmacology and docking identified 56 infection-related targets (hub proteins EGFR, BCL2, HSP90AA1/B1, ESR1, SRC) enriched in PI3K-Akt/ErbB/EGFR pathways, supporting additional modulation of host infection-related signaling. In MRSA, untargeted metabolomics showed broad disturbances in amino acid, energy, and nucleotide metabolism, indicating disruption of essential biosynthetic and energy pathways. In vivo, DHE significantly reduced bacterial load and alleviated tissue damage in a murine MRSA infection model, demonstrating measurable protective effects.
Conclusions:
DHE is a promising natural antimicrobial agent with notable activity against S. aureus and MRSA. Its mechanism of action involves membrane disruption and biofilm inhibition, along with preliminary safety in vitro, supporting its potential for further development as an effective antimicrobial agent.
More Related Videos
09:26Antibiotic Efficacy Testing in an Ex vivo Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Published on: January 22, 2021
11:52Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...